This may be TMI, but the wintry weather we've been having has made my feet really dry and itchy (and not too pretty to look at). Soaking my feet in a warm bath brought to mind a story I read a few years ago about pedicures that used fish to nibble away dead skin.

The fish turns out to be the Garra rufa or Doctor Fish. Native to Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, the fish are used in spa treatments all over the world. Watch them in action:

Interestingly, one preliminary study found that Garra nibbling - more properly called ichthyotherapy - may be part of an effective treatment for psoriasis. Maybe someday you'll find them in your dermatologist's office, even if they aren't allowed in your local salon.

The fishes are minnows, who do not have teeth in their jaws. I had a bunch of minnows in a stock tank, and they would nibble my hand if I put it in the water. I used to swim in that tank before I put minnows in. I suspect they would tickle me to death if I did go swimming with them. I've also been nibbled by small characins, who do have teeth, and would occasionally feel a small nip.